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Martin's Relais

Formerly the Oud Huis Amsterdam, this old, agreeable and somewhat rambling hotel is now part of the small, efficient chain of Martin’s Hotels. Although recently refurbished to four-star standards, it has retained much of its charm, and has the added advantage of its setting in a quiet corner close to the city centre.

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Rooms from

£77per night

Check-in

Check-out

Occupancy

Rooms

Adults

Children

Ages of children

Location

8/10

On one side is the Spiegelrei, a pretty cul-de-sac of a canal, once the busy medieval port; on the other is the old merchants’ quarter where international traders had their headquarters in the medieval heyday of Bruges. Although barely 10 minutes’ walk from the city’s historic centre, it still feels pleasantly off the beaten track. Double glazing reduces the sound from the cobbled road outside.

Style & character

7/10

Five 18th-century mansions with even older origins – the central one once belonging to the merchants of Amsterdam – were rolled into one in the 19th century, with the result that the interior still has a pleasantly labyrinthine feel. There is still a strong sense of history in the public rooms and conference rooms on the ground floor, with stuccoed ceilings, chandeliers and antique furniture.

Service & facilities

7/10

The Martin’s Hotel chain prides itself on the professionalism of its staff, which is evident from first encounter at the reception desk: polite, friendly and helpful. The garden is one of the largest of any hotel in Bruges – a peaceful green oasis. Parking in the hotel’s covered carpark costs €20 (£14) per night. The hotel has a lift.

Bar

Laundry

Room service

Wi-Fi

Rooms

8/10

The 44 rooms are divided into three categories, by size: “Charming”; “Great”, which includes a sofa bed creating accommodation for up to four people; and “Exceptional” suites, the size of an apartment, with a separate sitting area. All have views either of the garden, or over the canal. All are different – some have wooden panelling and exposed beams – but they have been decorated in a coordinated style of pastel colours, upholstered and limed-wood furniture, and antique prints. All have bathtubs with shower fittings in their en-suite bathrooms, and all have a TV, minibar, safe and air-conditioning.

Food & drink

7/10

A full buffet breakfast is served beneath the exposed beams of the breakfast room: cold meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, hot sausages, bacon and eggs, and Cava. The hotel has its own small bar. Reception staff can advise about where to eat in the vicinity.

Value for money

7/10

Double rooms from €99 (£70) in low season; rising to €190 (£136) in high. Breakfast is not usually included (but check the arrangement); if excluded it costs from €17 (£12) per person. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

This is an historic hotel with steps and stairs, and is not wheelchair-adapted.

Family-friendly?

Yes. Cots are supplied free of charge. The “Great” rooms sleep up to four people. Children under 12 go free. An additional third bed in a room costs €50 (£35) per night.